The Caribbean is well known for its gorgeous cerulean waters and amazing white beaches. Of course then the Caribbean would be an ideal location for sailing. There are over 7,000 reefs, islands, and inlets. Many people escape to the warm waters of the Caribbean every year for a slice of island life. For sailors however, nothing gets quite as good as the warm consistent winds from the east. There are so many shores, coves, and inlets awaiting discovery, and what better way to see them than from a sailboat cruising around. Cruise through the Bahamas, Belize, Costa Rica, and the Virgin Islands while enjoying some sun as only the Caribbean can provide.
The Bahamas are made up of over 700 islands and there are over 2,000 uninhabited cays to explore and discover. About 30 to 40 people inhabit the 700 islands here. Diving and fishing are a few of the world renowned activities. The area is affected by a cooler winter, but the summer temperatures are known to reach well into the 90s with a high humidity. In the Bahamas, regattas are actually an important social interaction. These regattas are usually over the span of a few days, and feature traditional wooden sailboat parts. On the land there is a festival that is held, while the regatta is underway. Check out the Abacos chain of islands in the north, for a taste of British colonial style and culture.
Belize is most famously known for the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the longest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and only the second largest in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Take a chance to anchor and break out the snorkeling gear to see this amazing natural wonder. In the Western Hemisphere, three of the four atolls are located off the coast of Belize. Besides snorkeling, the waters are also excellent for fishing and scuba diving. The region has an overall tropical climate, with summer temperatures getting into the comfortable 80s. Visiting San Pedro Beach in Amergris Caye is definitely on the list.
The Virgin Islands consist of numerous islands, some of which are inhabited while others are not. The region has a warm tropical climate with trade winds, and temperatures remain consistent throughout the year for the most part. Certain areas experience highs into the 90s while other areas remain at a comfortable 70 degree range. The Virgin Islands are prime locations for activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, swimming, and definitely sailing so make sure the sailboat accessories are stocked up. In fact, the Sperry Top-Sider National Offshore One-Design Regatta championship is being held there in 2009.
There are dozens of other countries to check out in the Caribbean, most of which are in close proximity. The crystalline tropical waters and climate of the Caribbean are truly unparalleled, which is why when anyone speaks of going some place nice for a vacation it is usually the Caribbean that comes to mind. Cruise through isolated inlets and coves, discovering all the beauty these waters really offer to a sailor. Sailing definitely has a strong and growing home in the Caribbean, with more attention attracted to its waters each year.